The pandemic, the rising costs of housing, and more opportunities for work from home have sparked Americans’ desire to find better living conditions. As a result, many families are moving across the country, looking for more space and a lower cost of living.
So where are Americans moving, and what does this mean for the cities and states they are leaving from? Let’s have a look at what the trends say and the conclusions that can be drawn at the end.
Where are Americans Fleeing From?
The top 3 states that experience a population decline are California, New York, and Illinois. These are great states to live in since they are home to some of the most advanced urban areas in the world. Plus, the climate is quite nice (especially in California), and the tech industry is in full bloom.
However, the good is counterbalanced by rising housing costs, burdening taxes, unfit politics, and a skyrocketing cost of living. Due to these factors, these are some of the most expensive states in the US, with a Cost of Living Index of above 130.
Moreover, people can continue to be a part of the technology industry without having to live in a big city or even come to an office. This change has created a trend where Americans flock toward states with fewer climate crises and areas with less crime and social unrest.
Which are the Most Sought-After States?
The trends show that Southern and Western states are the most appealing right now. States like Texas, Florida, South and North Carolina are the top destinations, and the main reason seems to be lower taxes and lower housing costs.
This trend is not recent, but it has gained a bit of power during the last few months, which has made moving work quite a lucrative job. As more people are looking for affordable moving options to save money, the demand has increased.
As a result, movers can get to $110/h, especially in a market where it’s difficult to find reliable workers. However, this is just a temporary increase in demand, so many moving companies will look to hire seasonal workers who can help sustain the current upward curve.
Is Moving the Right Decision?
It depends on every individual and family’s reason, but from a broad perspective, this trend can have a positive impact on the areas where people are moving to.
Most movers come from big cities and are looking for the peace and quiet of smaller cities. They are still interested in all the benefits of the urban environment but are happy with a house in the suburbs.
The immediate benefit comes in more money for the communities who are welcoming these movers. Also, the real estate market has a lot to gain (although some locals may not be too happy about it).
As the population increases, these communities will have a chance to develop their industry and economy, strengthen their education systems, and grow at an accelerated rate.
For the ones moving, the benefits are quite obvious. Starting with lower housing costs and a lower cost of living, these people will also have the chance to experience a better sense of community and the chance to shape the future of their area through civic engagement. This tends to lead to a better sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, which cannot be achieved in the big cities.
Wrap Up
Moving companies experience a surge in demand these days due to an increase in Americans’ desire to find a better place to live. However, this increase may not last long as things will reach a natural balance in the near future.
